Modelling to Support Net-Zero Planning: A Course for Non-Modellers
A course to equip non-technical professionals with a critical understanding of how to read, interpret, and apply models to energy, climate, and net-zero action plans
About this course
Decarbonizing the economy by 2050 requires profoundly transforming Canada’s complex energy systems. In the absence of a crystal ball, models can help us design the future we want, projecting the response of our energy system to different policy and economic scenarios and helping to calculate the best path forward. When applied effectively, models can help organizations evaluate and advocate for strong climate policies and investment decisions.
This online course is designed to equip non-technical experts of all levels with the skills to read, interpret, and apply models to organizational goals and strategies. Over two days of online instruction and discussion, you will build the skills to understand and interpret energy models, communicate a business case for energy modelling, and confidently integrate modelling into your strategic plans and decisions.
Prerequisites: A background in climate, energy, environment, or sustainability planning. No math or technical skills are required for this course.
This course is for you if:
- You’re a mid-to senior-level professional working in climate, energy, or natural resources looking to deepen your understanding of using models for net-zero planning and decision-making
- You’re in a non-technical role but work closely with technical teams to advance policy or investment decisions
Contact us at education@transitionaccelerator.ca if you have any questions.
What you will learn
Understand how to read, interpret, and apply models to your organization’s energy, climate, or net-zero action plans
Leverage model results to help create a business case for strong decarbonization policies and investment decisions
Confidently incorporate models into project planning
Instructor
Normand Mousseau is a professor of physics at Université de Montréal, scientific director of the Institut de l’ énergie Trottier (IET) and member of the executive committee at the Energy Modelling Hub, a national organization designed to empower evidence-based energy-policymaking funded by Natural Resources Canada.
An expert on the modelling of complex materials and biomolecules, Mousseau has been working in energy and natural resources for more than fifteen years. He is the author of several books on the subject including “Le défi des ressources minières” (2012) and “Gagner la guerre du climat: Douze mythes à déboulonner” (Éditions du Boréal, 2017). In 2013-2014, he co-chaired Quebec’s Commission on Energy Issues. In addition to numerous reports analyzing various aspects of Canada’s and Québec’s energy transition, he is co-author of the IET Canada Energy Outlook series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our Modelling to Support Net-Zero Planning Course
How much does it cost?
The cost of the 6-hour course is $650 per attendee; we also offer discounts for government and non-profit employees: $450 per attendee. For a group discount, you can message us at education@transitionaccelerator.ca
Do you have a special rate for students?
This course is aimed at senior decision-makers. Academics can register using the discount for non-profits & government employees.
Do you offer private corporate trainings?
Absolutely. Please reach out to us if you would like to organize a Modelling to Support Net-Zero Planning course exclusively for your team.
We also have other courses in development, and we would be happy to cater to your team’s needs by conceiving a tailored course for you. Message us at education@transitionaccelerator.ca for more information.
How do I register?
A link will be available on our website as soon as a class opens up for registration. If our upcoming sessions are full, we recommend that you subscribe to our newsletter; we will regularly update you about new dates. You can also email us at education@transitionaccelerator.ca to express your interest.
When is your next course?
Dates for upcoming sessions are listed on our website. If all of our sessions are full, register for our newsletter to be updated as soon as new classes open up.
In the case of group registration, or if you would like to express your interest, please email us at education@transitionaccelerator.ca for more information.
What is the class size?
Class sizes are kept small with 15-20 participants to ensure training quality with better interactivity & active learning.
Is this course accredited for continuing professional development?
Please email us at education@transitionaccelerator.ca to check if you are eligible for credits for continuing professional development.
Interested in taking our course? Fill out our registration form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Individual and organizational bookings are available.
Course Outline
Module 1: Why Model?
- What are models and how do we use them? We will review types of models, how they are applied in the race toward net zero, examples of powerful energy and climate models, and outcomes achieved when models are applied properly to policy and business decisions.
Module 2: Building a Model
- We will cover how models are built, including data inputs, outputs, and linked variables. We will look at some leading models of the Canadian energy system, interpret their results, and introduce hypotheses for applications and action.
Module 3: Applying Model Results
- What do we DO with our modelling results? We’ll discuss best practices for applying models to strategy, policy, and climate action plans, and how the depth of the energy transformation needed means rethinking how we use models.